Ian Kinsler’s attempt to single-handedly put the dagger in the heart of the Rangers failed as Drew Stubbs miraculously caught up to his tailing line drive to end the game and preserve an agonizing 7-6 win for the Rangers, and possibly preserve their season.

You paid your ticket. You waited in line for hours. Finally, you get on the roller coaster.

You’ve dreamed about this ride for years. And now you are on it.

It takes off.

It’s fun for a while. Some dramatic climbing. Some exhilarating falls. Lots of turns. A couple of loops. Some vomiting.

And when you finally regain your breath and the lump in your throat returns from your gut,, you just want the ride to end.

But it doesn’t end.

The car gets stuck on the tracks and it’s terrifying.

That is how this season has gone and, apparently, how it is going to play out. After last night’s agonizing win, the Rangers allowed everyone to exhale, if a little tentatively. Combine that with the Astros losing and the Anaheims winning, and the Rangers are now two games ahead of second-place Los Angeles.

Last night’s game confirmed every reason you love baseball and every reason you hate it.